Bauhinia forficata Link Infusions: Chemical and Bioactivity of Volatile and Non-Volatile Fractions

This study aimed to evaluate Bauhinia forficata infusions prepared using samples available in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As such, infusions at 5% (w/v) of different brands and batches commercialized in the city (CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS4) and samples of plant material botanically identified (BS) were evaluated to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP assays), phytochemical profile, volatile compounds, and inhibitory effects against the α-amylase enzyme. The results showed that infusions prepared using BS samples had lower TPC, TFC and antioxidant potential than the commercial samples (p < 0.05). The batch averages presented high standard deviations mainly for the commercial samples, corroborating sample heterogeneity. Sample volatile fractions were mainly composed of terpenes (40 compounds identified). In the non-volatile fraction, 20 compounds were identified, with emphasis on the CS3 sample, which comprised most of the compounds, mainly flavonoid derivatives. PCA analysis demonstrated more chemical diversity in non-volatile than volatile compounds. The samples also inhibited the α-amylase enzyme (IC50 value: 0.235−0.801 mg RE/mL). Despite the differences observed in this work, B. forficata is recognized as a source of bioactive compounds that can increase the intake of antioxidant compounds by the population.

The role of spray-drying atmosphere on fridericia chica (bonpl.) L.G. Lohmann standardized extract production for wound healing activity

Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G. Lohmann (synonym Arrabidaea chica Verlot) is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine. Considering overcoming pitfalls of scaling up production of plant extracts, herein the effects of N₂ atmosphere for extract spray-drying process is reported. Samples were monitored by in vitro antioxidant activity and microbiological evaluation. The drying atmosphere influenced 3-deoxyanthocyanines content when using air as atomizing gas, decreasing carajurin (37.5%) content with concomitant increase in luteolin yield (24.1%). Both drying processes preserved the pharmacological activity. In the cell migration test with HaCaT cells, the extract dried under air flow (5 μg/mL) promoted wound closure by 78% (12 hours) whereas the extract dried using N₂ flow promoted 49% (12 hours), with 98% closure (12 hours) for the positive control. The antimicrobial evaluation for Staphylococcus aureus did not differ within drying atmospheres, with MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) at 0.39 mg/mL. Therefore, the drying process reported herein did not interfere with the biological activity's outcome.

Traditional plants with antioxidant properties in clinical trials-A systematic review

There is a trend toward the use of natural substances present in plants and vegetables. In general, foods rich in antioxidants are complex matrices; therefore, understanding its absorption effects is extremely relevant to know its bioactive potential. Thus, this systematic review focused on clinical trials involving plants (or compounds) registered on the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS) with antioxidant properties. Following the reporting guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes studies of interest indexed in the PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were analyzed. Of the 59 clinical trials found, Allium sativum and Curcuma longa are the plant species with the highest percentage of clinical research. Prevention/attenuation of oxidative stress was one of the main antioxidant mechanisms indicated in the studies. The most tested compounds of the RENISUS plants in clinical trials were curcumin and soy isoflavone. In this review, we selected studies in advanced stages that highlight plants' value in optimizing antioxidant status; however, even with high-quality studies, it is not prudent to overstate the clinical efficacy of these plants.

The essential oil from Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC improves gastric ulcer healing in rats through modulation of VEGF and MMP-2 activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC known as "carqueja" in Brazil has been acknowledged as a medicinal plant in folk medicine for the treatment of stomach aches and gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective and healing effects of essential oil from B. trimera (EOBT) against gastric ulcer lesions caused by absolute ethanol and acetic acid, respectively, and to identify the mechanism of action of this essential oil in male Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The plant material used to obtain EOBT was collected in the southern region of Brazil and was analyzed by chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) demonstrate its characteristic chemical composition, with carquejyl acetate as its main component. Different doses of EOBT (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally in male Wistar rats as an acute treatment against absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesions. The gastric healing effect of EOBT (100 mg/kg) was evaluated once a day after 7, 10, and 14 days of treatment. After treatment, the stomachs of rats from all groups were collected to measure the lesion area (mm2), the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the relative expression of caspases -3, -8, -9, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The zymography method was used to elucidate the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) in the healing action of EOBT. We also analyzed toxicological parameters (body weight evolution and biochemical parameters) that could result after treatment with this essential oil for 14 days.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with EOBT (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased the severity of gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol and decreased MPO activity in gastric tissue. After 10 and 14 days of treatment with EOBT (100 mg/kg) once a day, the lesion area was significantly reduced by 61% and 65.5%, respectively, compared to the negative control group. The gastric healing effect of EOBT was followed by a decrease in the expression of COX-1 compared to that in the negative control group. Notably, treatment with EOBT for 14 days increased the expression of VEGF compared to that using an anti-ulcer drug (lansoprazole). Additionally, analyses of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in the gastric mucosa confirmed the accelerated gastric healing effect of EOBT, with a significant decrease in the activity of pro-MMP-2. No sign of toxicity was observed after treatment with EOBT for 14 consecutive days.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that EOBT was effective in preventing and accelerating ulcer healing by decreasing MPO activity, increasing VEGF expression, and decreasing MMP-2 activity. These actions collectively contribute to the rapid recovery of gastric mucosa following treatment with EOBT, without any observed toxicity.

Clinical trials with plants in diabetes mellitus therapy: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The chronic metabolic disorder diabetes mellitus is a fast-growing global problem with huge social, health, and economic consequences, having one of the highest morbidities and mortality rates. Prolonged use of many available medications can produce undesirable side effects. Thus, plants appear as an important source of bioactive resources for the discovery of new treatments for diabetes.

AREAS COVERED

In this sense, this systematic review focused on clinical trials involving plants of National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS) (or compounds) with antidiabetic properties. We analyzed indexed studies in PubMed following the reporting guidelines of PRISMA.

EXPERT OPINION

Of the 51 clinical trials found, Curcuma longa, Glycine max, Zingiber officinale, Punica granatum, Aloe vera, Momordica charantia are the species with the greatest amount of clinical trials and the attenuation of insulin resistance, decreased fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels are some of the main mechanisms by which these plants exert hypoglycemic effects. Thus, we speculate that the Clinical Pharmacology should explore the field of plant-based compounds that will keep concentrating the attention of researchers, and therefore, we gathered studies in advanced stages that highlight the role of plants in the diabetes therapy.

Compounds of plants with activity against SARS-CoV-2 targets

Introduction

The COVID-19 global pandemic is a public health emergency due to its high virulence and mortality. Many vaccine development studies at clinical trials are currently conducted to combat SARS-CoV-2. Plants are a rich source of phytochemicals with different biological activities, including antiviral activities, which are the focus of many studies.

Areas covered

This review shows compounds of traditional plants listed on RENISUS list have therapeutic properties against SARS-CoV-2 targets.

Expert Opinion

The rise of new variants, more pathogenic and virulent, impacts in the increase of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and thus, the control of the outbreaks of disease remains a global challenge. Other’s drug and vaccines development is an essential element in controlling SARS-COV-2. Therefore, it is imperative that approach to tackle this pandemic has to be solidly evidence-informed. It should be noticed that the immune system does play critical roles in fighting viruses. Studies show that T cells levels decreased continuously as the disease progressed. T cell-mediated cellular immune response, probably by immunological memory, is essential for direct virus eradication after infection whilst B cells functions in producing antibodies that neutralize virus.But, have distinct patterns of T cell response exist in different patients, suggesting the possibility of distinct clinical approaches. Efforts are concentrated to elucidate the underlying immunological mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and progression for better design of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies. We seek to identify biomolecules with the potential to act in biomarkers that predict how severe the disease can get. But it is important to warn that the plants that produce the compounds mentioned here should not be used without a physician prescription. Finally, we speculate that these compounds may eventually attract the attention of physicians and researchers to perform tests in specific contexts of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and if they show positive results, be tested in Clinical trials.

Blutaparon portulacoides ethanolic extract reduced IL-1β and inflammatory parameters induced by the Mycobacterium complex and carrageenan in mice

Information on the health benefits of ethanolic extracts obtained from Blutaparon portulacoides stem (EEBP) hasn´t been consistently described in the literature until the present moment. This study investigated the antimycobacterial, anti-inflammatory and toxicological effects of EEBP in models of inflammation/infection, as well as its chemical composition. Chemical analysis of EEBP by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry/HPLC-MS/MS identified 3,5,3'-Trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-flavone, gomphrenol, ferulic, vanillic, and caffeic acids. The minimum inhibitory concentration of EEBP and isoniazid in the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was 123.4 and 0.030 µg/ml, respectively. EEBP oral administration (p.o.) (300-1000 mg/kg) or dexamethasone subcutaneous injection (s.c.) (1 mg/kg) significantly inhibited leukocytes and proteins resulting from carrageenan-induced pleurisy in Swiss mice. In the BCG-induced pleurisy model, the oral treatments performed once a day for 7 days, with EEBP (30 and 100 mg/kg) and isoniazid (25 mg/kg), inhibited the increase in plasmatic IL-1β levels and in pleural exudate from C57BL-6 mice, and reduced M. tuberculosis growth in organs (colony forming units assays). EEBP (30-300 mg/kg, p.o.) and dexamethasone (1 mg/s.c.) significantly prevented carrageenan-induced oedema and mechanical hyperalgesia in Swiss mice. The treatments (once a day for 22 days) with EEBP (30 mg/kg, p.o.) and dexamethasone (1 mg/s.c.) substantially inhibited oedema and mechanical- and cold-hyperalgesia at 11, 16 and 22 days after the administration of Freund's Complete Adjuvant in C57bL6 mice. No evidence of physio-pathologic was observed in Wistar rats acutely treated with EEBP (2000 mg/kg, p.o.). This study confirms the anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties of EEBP, opening possibilities for the development of safe new drugs with dual anti-inflammatory/antimycobacterial activities which could be favorable from a pharmacoeconomic perspective.

RENISUS Plants and Their Potential Antitumor Effects in Clinical Trials and Registered Patents

Cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Scientific advances, coupled with potential flaws in current treatments, are driving research into the discovery of new bioactive molecules. This systematic review focused on scientific studies with clinical trials and patents registered on the National Relation of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS) plants (or derivative compounds) with antitumor potential. Studies with 19 different forms of cancer were found, the prostate being the organ with the highest research incidence and the species Glycine max, Curcuma longa, and Zingiber officinale, beside the phytochemicals curcumin and soy isoflavone were the most tested in clinical trials/patents.